OKC gets the respect against a 1 loss team as the Thunder
are a 2.5 point betting odds favorite according to Bet 365 Sportsbook and the total
for the game is 201.5

Are we going to ride the near perfect Spurs as our pick or
are we going to ride one of the best 1-2 combinations in the game of Russell
Westbrook and Kevin Durant?

A Light Workout

This is exactly what the Thunder got out of the Utah Jazz as
OKC blew past the Jazz 95-73 with Kevin Durant getting to rest and preserving
his strength for the Spurs.

In this game, KD put up just 9 shots and provided 19 points
and 9 rebounds as he made frequent trips to the charity stripe. Don’t expect
the same thing to happen against the Spurs. OKC’s bench got to get some
extending playing time and former University of Connecticut standout, Jeremy
Lamb, was very productive as he poured in 15 points on 7 of 13 shooting from the
field. A deep bench is invaluable and Lamb and Perry Jones could be a factor in
tonight’s game against the best team in the West in the Spurs.

Superstar point guard, Russell Westbrook did miss the Jazz
game and is on the injury report with a “undisclosed” injury. This most likely
is the Thunder giving Westbrook and his surgically repaired knee a rest. I
would expect him to play against the Spurs tonight, but keep an eye on the
injury reports as we draw nearer to game-time. If Westbrook doesn’t play, this
could affect the odds and the outlook on tonight’s game.

A Beasting Spurs
Bench

San Antonio is coming off of 112-93 beating of a very good
New Orleans Pelicans team and the difference in this game was the bench of the
Spurs that produced 65 points. On the season, the Spurs are averaging 44 points
from the bench which is one of the best in the NBA. This enables veterans like
Tim Duncan and Tony Parker to stay fresh while players like Manu Ginobili and
Boris Diaw are able to play their 20 minutes and give a maximum effort.

Against the Pelicans, Ginobili played just 19 minutes and
led the team with 16 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.

Coaches don’t play the games, but head coach Gregg Popovich
is the best strategist in the game and best coach overall. Even though Kawhi
Leonard is possibly the best young star on the team, in order for the Spurs to
make it to the finals, they still have to have the nucleus of Ginobili, Parker,
and Duncan involved.

Parker is still in his prime, but Duncan can only go so far
and a matchup tonight against Serge Ibaka will be a difficult one for the
legend out of Wake Forest. Look for Duncan to get a bit more playing time
tonight as Popovich maneuvers his lineup as best as possible as the Spurs could
be facing their 2nd loss of the season against the 2nd
best player in the league in Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Outcome

As long as Westbrook plays, talent-wise, the Thunder blow
the Spurs away for our NBA picks. Don’t expect Popovich to be able to squeeze out a win in
Oklahoma City. The combination of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will prove
to be unstoppable in this game and the odds are very low.